One way or another, all Americans were part of history being made on November 4, 2008.  And God, as always, was there.



On that day, Senator Barack Obama, now President-Elect, won the Presidential election over Senator John McCain by over 7 million popular votes and at least 186 Electoral College votes.

Compare these numbers to President George W. Bush's margin of victory over Senator John Kerry in 2004.  In that election President Bush won by 2 million votes and 34 Electoral College votes.

In political terms, and considering the climate of this 21st century election, President-Elect Obama's victory margin is considered by experts to be a clear expression of the desire for change among the majority of Americans.

I cannot begin to imagine what it felt like to be Senator McCain the night of the election.  Everyone in the world has watched you lose.  This man, a genuine American hero who has given his adult life in service to his country, experienced a resounding public defeat.

Like many of you, I watched that evening unfold on my television screen.  I stayed up late enough to watch both candidates' post-election speeches.  Both men were elegant and profound in their words, and as I watched Senator McCain and listened to what he had to say in defeat, I thought of these words of Jesus "“

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

We really find out about someone in defeat, and as I watched and listened to Senator McCain deliver his concession speech, I sensed that now that the political campaign was over, what I was watching was the real man.

He said "“ A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.

At that moment a few in the audience booed, and another person let an expletive fly.  Then it happened.  Senator McCain raised his hands in peace, left the text of his speech, and said "“ Please.

At that moment, Senator McCain brought peace and urged his followers to "“ offer our next President our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together.

For me it was a Christ moment, a great American moment, and I am praying that it was also a first step in a new long journey of all Americans remembering every day that we are all children of the same loving God who goes by many names.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God, and God's been through presidential elections before. 

God, as always, is still here.    

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